LawBid service to launch in Ireland next month

A UK-based online service that allows solicitors to place bids for work will be launched in Ireland in the first week of October, the Irish Independent reports.

LawBid allows law firms who have subscribed to the service to bid to carry out work requested by users.

Individuals submit details of the legal service they require, and this is then passed on to a panel of suitable law firms - who pay the annual subscription fee - who can then submit bids for doing the work.

The service is already live in England and Wales and will be launched in Ireland from Monday 3 October.

LawBid CEO Kid Harwood said the scheme will help smaller law firms access the market.

Mr Harwood told the Irish Independent: “As much as we want to create a competitive environment, it is as much about choice and simplicity for the consumer.”

The value of different firms’ bids is only shown to the client, which has sparked concerns that LawBid will encourage a race to the bottom.

However, Mr Harwood said: “We have a system in place where clients can rate a solicitor. Other clients will be able to see ratings when deciding whether to retain a solicitor. We feel this system will help maintain the quality of the services offered.”